Otto’s Trail is one of the shorter hikes along Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument. Like Window Rock Trail, this 0.75-mile stroll descends gradually to a cliff overlooking Monument Canyon. The view showcases Independence Monument, the tallest freestanding formation in the canyon, and a point of fascination for visitors dating back to the first park supervisor, John Otto, for whom this trail is named.

From the pullout on Rim Rock Drive one mile south of Saddlehorn Visitor Center, head east on Otto’s Trail. The wide dirt track heads slightly downhill, sacrificing just 85 vertical feet. The best views come at the end of the trail, so in the words of Bob Barker, come on down!

Otto’s Trail descends gradually to the overlook

The panoramic vista overlooks Independence Monument, Praying Hands, and Sentinel Spire. The Pipe Organs, a series of cylindrical formation similar to Coke Ovens, are just ahead, adorning the side of the canyon.

The Pipe Organs

The eponymous trail is named for John Otto, a man who loved Monument Canyon and dedicated his life to preserving the land that became Colorado National Monument. Panels at the end of the trail depict Otto’s wedding ceremony, which took place in the canyon below Independence Monument. The marriage did not last however, because Otto’s other great love came between them. His wife is quoted as saying.

I tried hard to live his way, but I could not do it. I could not live with a man to whom even a cabin was an encumbrance.

Fortunately, Otto’s stewardship of the park was more enduring. Many of the trails he built during his thirty year stint as the inaugural park supervisor remain in use today.

A panel below the view of Independence Monument

There are no junctions to worry about along the way, so when you are through enjoying the view, simply return the way you came. The meager elevation change makes Otto’s Trail enjoyable for hikers of all abilities.

To get to the trailhead: From Saddlehorn Visitor Center, drive south on Rim Rock Drive for one mile and turn left into the pullout for Otto’s Trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Colorado National Monument in a larger map

Photos

 

                           

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Window Rock Trail This 1/3-mile round trip hike ends at a distinct point on the wall of Monument Canyon where a natural window appears just below the top of the cliff.
	Canyon Rim Trail This one-mile round trip hike begins at Saddlehorn Visitor Center and travels along the cliffs edge overlooking Monument Canyon.
	Alcove Nature Trail This one-mile round trip hike is less scenic than others in the park, but offers information about area plants, animals, and geology.
	More trails in Colorado Explore other destinations in Colorado National Monument

Camping

 

Saddlehorn Campground This 80-site campground is the only designated camping area in Colorado National Park, conveniently located near Saddlehorn Visitor Center.

More Info

 

A tribute to John Otto on summitpost.org

Colorado National Monument on wikipedia.org

Colorado National Monument on summitpost.org

The official website for Colorado National Monument

Across the road from the park visitor center (and Canyon Rim Trail) is Alcove Nature Trail. This track is set back from the canyon rim, which limits views of the great landscape. What this trail offers instead is an informative hike with numbered markers that coincide with entries in a guide booklet. The entries describe plant and animal life in the park as well as the geological history. This level one-mile round trip trail is less scenic that others in the park but is perfect for educating/boring young children.

A limited view into Monument Canyon

Follow signs from the visitor center parking lot and begin up Alcove Nature Trail. After purchasing a pamphlet from the trail guide dispenser for fifty cents, make a left at the junction. Once you have the guide in hand, start reading! The 31 numbered signs come fast and frequent. It is hard to keep up with the long passages in the guide.
Here is an example of one of the entries:

11. Like a standing skeleton, this ancient gnarled juniper tree was over 300 years old when it died. All plants and animals eventually yield their places to other plants and animals. It may take more than a century for a dead juniper tree to topple and decay here in the desert, but the stored nutrients will be reused time and time again. Everything in nature is recycled and nothing is wasted.

The trail brochure is produced by the Colorado National Monument Association and is packed with information about the park.

Passing marker eleven

The canyon at the back end of the trail

After half a mile of level hiking, the trail dead-ends at the back of a box canyon. This is the most visually interesting part of the hike, and the end of the entries in the pamphlet. From here, turn around and follow the same track back. You can reread all of your favorite entries as you return to the visitor center. Block out around 45 minutes to hike this one-mile hike with 175 feet of elevation.

A map of the Saddlehorn area courtesy of the National Park Service

To get to the trailhead: From Saddlehorn Visitor Center, 4.3 miles south the west entrance of Colorado National Monument on Rim Rock Drive, follow the signs across the road to the start of Alcove Trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Colorado National Monument in a larger map

Photos

 

             

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Canyon Rim Trail This one-mile round trip hike begins at Saddlehorn Visitor Center and travels along the cliffs edge overlooking Monument Canyon.
	Window Rock Trail This 1/3-mile round trip hike ends at a distinct point on the wall of Monument Canyon where a natural window appears just below the top of the cliff.
	Otto’s Trail This 0.75-mile round trip hike visits an overlook near the Pipe Organs with an excellent view of Independence Monument and Monument Canyon.
	More trails in Colorado Explore other destinations in Colorado National Monument

Camping

 

Saddlehorn Campground This 80-site campground is the only designated camping area in Colorado National Park, conveniently located near Saddlehorn Visitor Center.

More Info

 

Alcove Nature Trail on protrails.com

Alcove Nature Trail on wanderthewest.com

Colorado National Monument on wikipedia.org

Colorado National Monument on summitpost.org

The official website for Colorado National Monument

For a view of Praying Hands, Independence Monument, and the other statuesque monoliths in Monument Canyon, take a stroll along Canyon Rim Trail. The track crosses the canyon rim between Saddlehorn Visitor Center and Book Cliff View, and is a great way to begin your visit of Colorado National Monument. The trail is half a mile one-way or one mile round trip. Additionally, the hike can be extended beyond Book Cliff View by hiking another quarter mile to Window Rock. No matter what distance you hike, this is an easy trek with excellent views.

Independent Monument and Praying Hands

Canyon Rim Trail is fairly straightforward. Technically it heads to the left, but it is easy to follow the entire way, and there are no junctions. Pick up the trail behind the visitor center, and take it down to the edge of the canyon. From this lofty perch, atop Wedding Canyon (Where park founder John Otto was married) there is an excellent view across picturesque Monument Canyon. Make your way northward along the sandstone cliff through Utah juniper and Pinyon pines that are typical to the area.

Looking out from Bookcliff shelter

The level trail ascends to Book Cliff View, where a shelter stands offering shaded benches and clear views. You can look out beyond the park from here over the cities of Fruita and Redlands. Also to the north is Window Rock, a pointed cliff with a hole near the top. To continue hiking to this point, follow the connection path beyond the shelter to Window Rock Trail. The trailhead and shelter are also accessible via a paved one way road that circles the bluff behind Saddlehorn Visitor Center and Campground.

The hike from the visitor center to Window Rock and back is 1.5 miles round trip. If you turn around at the Bookcliff Shelter, the hike is just a mile (or half a mile if you are dropped off at one end and picked up at the other). Canyon Rim Trail provides a nice easy hike that makes a good introduction to Colorado National Monument.

Monument Canyon

A map of the Saddlehorn area courtesy of the National Park Service

To get to the trailhead: from the west entrance of the park, drive 4.3 miles south on Rim Rock Drive to Saddlehorn Visitor Center. The trail begins behind the visitor center.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Colorado National Monument in a larger map

Photos

 

                       

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Alcove Nature Trail This one-mile round trip hike is less scenic than others in the park but offers information about the plants, animals, and geology of the park.
	Window Rock Trail This 1/3-mile round trip hike ends at a distinct point on the wall of Monument Canyon where a natural window appears just below the top of the cliff.
	Otto’s Trail This 0.75-mile round trip hike visits an overlook near the Pipe Organs with an excellent view of Independence Monument and Monument Canyon.
	More trails in Colorado Explore other destinations in Colorado National Monument

Camping

 

Saddlehorn Campground This 80-site campground is the only designated camping area in Colorado National Park, conveniently located near Saddlehorn Visitor Center.

More Info

 

NPS brochure for Canyon Rim Trail

Canyon Rim Trail on protrails.com

Canyon Rim Trail on wanderthewest.com

Canyon Rim Trail on twoknobbytires.com

Colorado National Monument on wikipedia.org

Colorado National Monument on summitpost.org

The official website for Colorado National Monument

Window Rock Trail begins next to Bookcliff Shelter, not far from Saddlehorn Campground. The trail offers views south into Monument Canyon and north off the bluff onto the cities below. This 1/3-mile round trip hike ends at a distinct point at the north end of the western wall of Monument Canyon where a natural window pierces the top of the cliff.

Window Rock

Window Rock Trail is wide and easy to follow, descending gradually about 60 vertical feet through a forest of Pinyon pines and Utah junipers. There are no junctions to worry about along the way, leaving you free to enjoy the views (of which there are many). Up canyon, the park’s major monoliths are all in sight. Independence Monument, Praying Hands, Kissing Couple, and other formations make up a postcard view. The canyon is most picturesque in the late afternoon when the sandstone is illuminated orange.

Looking south up Monument Canyon

A yellow railing marks the safe viewing area at the end of the trail. The natural window a few feet down makes hiking to the tip the point dangerous. There is plenty to see from behind the railing, including a view of the window itself. After safely enjoying Window Rock, simply return the way you came.

Window Rock

To expand this hike, combine it with Canyon Rim Trail. Begin at Saddlehorn Visitor Center and hiking half a mile to Book Cliff View and the start of Window Rock Trail. The views are great from both trails.

A map of the Saddlehorn area courtesy of the National Park Service

To get to the trailhead: From Saddlehorn Visitor Center, drive north on Rim Rock Drive and make an immediate right toward Saddlehorn Campground. Make a left after a short distance and continue half a mile around the one way circle to the trailhead just before Bookcliff Shelter.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Colorado National Monument in a larger map

Photos

 

                   

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Canyon Rim Trail This one-mile round trip hike begins at Saddlehorn Visitor Center and travels along the cliffs edge overlooking Monument Canyon.
	Alcove Nature Trail This one-mile round trip hike is less scenic than others in the park but offers information about the plants, animals, and geology of the park.
	Otto’s Trail This 0.75-mile round trip hike visits an overlook near the Pipe Organs with an excellent view of Independence Monument and Monument Canyon.
	More trails in Colorado Explore other destinations in Colorado National Monument

Camping

 

Saddlehorn Campground This 80-site campground is the only designated camping area in Colorado National Park, conveniently located near Saddlehorn Visitor Center.

More Info

 

NPS brochure for Window Rock Trail

Window Rock on protrails.com

Window Rock on wanderthewest.com

Colorado National Monument on wikipedia.org

Colorado National Monument on summitpost.org

The official website for Colorado National Monument

Tequepis Trail begins near the shores of Lake Cachuma and ascends the north side of the Santa Ynez Mountains behind Santa Barbara. The trail up offers views of the lake and valley, and there are broader ocean views from the top. This is an invigorating 8.4-mile round trip hike with 2,300 feet of elevation gain.

To reach Tequepis Trail, start at the free parking lot at the entrance of Circle V Camp. Follow the dirt road straight through the camp past a swimming pool and bunkhouses. After 0.2 miles, step over Tequepis Creek and pass through a large metal gate. This is the boundary of the Los Padres National Forest and the start of Tequepis Trail.

The trail up Tequepis Canyon

Continue south on the wide gravel road through two early junctions. A tenth of a mile past the gate, go straight, or slightly to the right, past an unmarked road. Then 0.2 miles later, follow the sign to the left at a second intersection. Don’t worry. Beyond this point, there are no more junction to worry about until you reach the top.

Abundant shade covers the trail as you ascend gradually uphill along the bank of a seasonal toward the back of Tequepis Canyon. The trail dwindles from a service road to a single track. After 1.1 miles, you will reach a sign at a sharp left turn in the trail. This is the start of the switchbacks, three miles and 1,750 vertical feet below the top of the trail.

Tequepis Trail

Less than half a mile past the sign, the trail leaves the shade of the forest for sun-exposed chaparral covered slopes. Climb a steep bit of trail (the steepest of the hike) before returning to more gradual terrain. The climb continues in earnest, with a couple more steep sections breaking up the steady grade. The ascent is relentless, but the views only improve as you climb. The missing shade is replaced by sweeping sights of Lake Cachuma and the surrounding area. The lush slopes make Tequepis Trail a hummingbird haven. Unfortunately, the trail is also home to enormous, almost bird-sized, mosquitoes. Persevere past these pests up the long series of switchbacks. This nonstop climb to the top in a fulfilling exercise of endurance.

Looking down on Lake Cachuma

Just below the top of the trail, you will pass through a mixed forest of tall trees and ferns. As you crest the ridge of the mountain, the vegetation gives way to a grassy clearing with oceanic views. The moment the trail stops climbing, it shrinks and becomes hard to follow. A faint path to the left crosses through the grasses down to Camino Cielo, a scenic fire road along the top of the range. If you intend to turn around at the top of the trail, you don’t have to worry about this path. Simply walk across the grass to the south and lose yourself in the view of Santa Barbara and the ocean beyond. On a typical day the Channel Islands can be seen on the horizon.

Looking east down the range from the top of Tequepis Trail

After a 4.1-miles climb with 2,300 feet of elevation gain, it would be nice to stand at a summit, but Tequepis Trail ends at a saddle east of Broadcast Peak. Though the mountaintop looks deceptively near, there is no direct path up the radio-towered peak, making it a 1.5-mile add-on, with an additional 500 vertical feet. To summit Broadcast Peak, follow Camino Cielo to the west. On the far side of the summit, make the first right up a service road to the 4,000-foot summit. To the west, Camino Cielo continues to Santa Ynez Peak and further down the range.

Looking west on Camino Cielo below Broadcast Peak

A circle around the installations at the summit offers views in every direction. While this extension provides grander views than the top of Tequepis Trail, it expands the hike to 11.5 miles — quite a lot for a day hike. If you are interested in experiencing westerly views without all the hiking, consider Lizard’s Mouth, a short trail just of Camino Cielo with almost no elevation gain.

A view of the the Santa Barbara coast from the top of Tequepis Trail

Whether you extend the hike or not, once you turn around, it is all downhill! The track that took two hours to climb, will now take just an hour and a half to descend. This still gives you plenty of time to enjoy the fine views of the reservoir below and the San Rafael Mountains to the north. There is no fee or permit to hike Tequepis Trail, so get out and enjoy.

Enjoy the hike back down

To get to the trailhead: From Santa Barbara, take the 154 north toward Lake Cachuma. Continue 7.7 miles past Cold Springs Arch Bridge and turn left at the sign for Circle V Ranch. This is the second turnoff with a sign for Camp Allegre. If you reach the entrance for Lake Cachuma Recreation Area, you have gone half a mile to far. From the turnoff, take the road to the left and drive 1.3 miles to the parking lot at the end of the road outside Circle V Camp – Saint Vincent de Paul Camp.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Tequepis Trail GPS in a larger map
Or view Central Coast Hikes in a larger map

Photos

 

                                       

These photos were taken in August of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Lizard’s Mouth This half-mile hike offers amazing views over Santa Barbara and the Pacific while visiting a unique rock formation.
	Gaviota Wind Caves This 2.5-mile hike just off the 101 visits wind-carved caves with great ocean views.
	Tangerine Falls This 2.5-mile hike visits a beautiful waterfall on the edge of Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara.
	McMenemy Overlook This 3.7-mile hike uses four trails to form a loop through the mountains behind Montecito, California.
	More Central Coast Hikes Explore other destinations along the California coast between Ventura and Monterey, including trails in Los Padres National Forest.

More Info

 

A Los Angeles Times review of Tequepis Trail

The official website for the Los Padres National Forest

This 3.7-mile hike combines four trails (San Ysidro Canyon Trail, McMenemy Trail, Girard Trail, and Edison Catway Fire Road) to form a loop through the mountains behind Montecito, California. The trails ascend nearly 1,000 feet providing good exercise and good views.

From San Ysidro Trailhead, begin hiking inland on the wide trail that passes through a neighborhood before reaching Los Padres National Forest. After 0.2 miles, the trail runs into a paved street. Turn left here and follow the trail along the road past a few homes. After entering the forest, you will come to a junction half a mile from the start. This is the beginning of the loop portion of the hike, which is best experienced in a clockwise direction, insuring a gradual ascent and a swift descent. Turn left, following a sign labeled McMenemy Lower – Trail.

Cross the creek and start up McMenemy Trail

Follow the single-track McMenemy Trail across San Ysidro Creek and through a forest of Eucalyptus trees. The trail passes through the forest and climbs a grassy mountainside. ascending 450 feet over 0.9 miles. After several switchbacks, you will arrive at a junction with Girard Trail alongside a stone hitching post and a grand stone bench. This bench is dedicated to Colonel McMenemy and offers a fine view over Montecito and the Pacific Ocean. One could turn around right here for a satisfying 2.8-mile out and back with 650 feet of elevation gain.

McMenemy Trail

Looking up Girard Trail from McMenemy Bench and hitching post

Beyond the bench, McMenemy Trail continues to the west toward Hot Springs Canyon. However, to continue with the loop, make a right on Girard Trail, which heads further into the mountains, wrapping around the upper slopes of San Ysidro Canyon. You will ascend another 340 feet over 0.55 miles to reach Edison Catway, a fire road that descends to San Ysidro Canyon Trail. Just 1/8 of a mile into Girard Trail, there is a short spur path to a picturesque overlook on the side of the canyon.

Formations off Girard Trail overlooking San Ysidro Canyon

Girard Trail ends below a string of high power electric lines, reaching a highpoint of 1,400 feet. Make another right on the dirt road and begin the steep descent back into the canyon. It is 1.2 miles from here to the junction with McMenemy Trail. When you reach the bottom of the canyon, turn right and take San Ysidro Canyon Trail back to the trailhead. No fee or permit requires to hike this 3.7-mile loop, so get out and enjoy.

Descending Edison Catway

To get to the trailhead: From Los Angeles, take the 101 North for 90 mile. When you reach Montecito (just east of Santa Barbara), take exit 92 onto Sheffield Drive. Head north on Sheffield drive for 1.3 miles. Turn left on East Valley road. After one mile turn right on Park Lane. After 0.4 miles turn left onto E. Mountain Drive. Take that for a quarter mile to the trailhead at road’s end. There is parking on the side of the road.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View McMenemy Trail GPS in a larger map
Or view Central Coast Hikes in a larger map

Photos

 

                                                 

These photos were taken in July of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Tangerine Falls This 2.5-mile hike visits a beautiful waterfall on the edge of Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara.
	Lizard’s Mouth This half-mile hike offers amazing views over Santa Barbara and the Pacific while visiting a unique rock formation.
	Gaviota Wind Caves This 2.5-mile hike just off the 101 visits wind-carved caves with great ocean views.
	Tequepis Trail This invigorating 8.4-mile round trip hike offers views of Lake Cachuma as it climbs the Santa Ynez mountains to views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific.
	More Central Coast Hikes Explore other destinations along the California coast between Ventura and Monterey, including trails in Los Padres National Forest.

More Info

 

McMenemy Trail on summitpost.org

A Los Angeles Times review of trails in San Ysidro Canyon

The official website for the Los Padres National Forest

The appeal of the Ocean View and Canyon View Trails is self-evident. Both offer fine views of the Pacific Ocean and Zuma Canyon. Located on the opposite side of Zuma Canyon as the Zuma Ridge Trail, the Ocean View and Canyon View Trails combine to form a 3-mile loop with 750 feet of elevation gain.

To complete the loop, leave from the Bonsall Trailhead and start up Zuma Canyon Trail. The first junction the trail crosses on the right is Ocean View Trail (after 0.2 miles). The second trail on the right is Canyon View Trail. Each trails weave up a hillside of coastal sage to a connection with Edison Fire Road near the top of the ridge. Every junction along the way is well marked.

This being a loop, you are free to head up either trail. Both tracks have been rutted by horse traffic, which loosens the dirt trail and makes the steep sections extra grueling. There is more loose sand on the Ocean View Trail, which makes it more suitable for a descent path.

Canyon View Trail

A half-mile from the trailhead, make a right on Canyon View Trail. The single-track ascends the wall of the canyon, aggressively tackling the elevation. After a mile of good climbing, you will round the top of the trail and head east, down to Ocean View Trail. Canyon View Trail ends at a junction 1.3 miles from the canyon bottom.

Canyon View Trail descends to Ocean View Trail

Make a right and continue a short distance to another marked junction. Ocean View Trail begins its descent to the right. Turn here and take the sandy track for 1.1 miles back into Zuma Canyon. These are the best views of the hike, which you are free to enjoy as you lope downhill. The single-track descends back to the canyon floor, surrendering the sweeping ocean and canyon views. Cross the dry creek bed and make a left on Zuma Canyon trail to complete the hike.

Looking up Zuma Canyon from the bottom of Ocean View Trail

To get to the trailhead: Take the PCH to Malibu and make a right on Bonsall Drive, one mile west of Kanan Dune Road (If you pass Zuma Beach, you have gone too far). Drive north on Bonsall Drive for one more mile to the dirt parking lot at the end of the road. The trail leaves from the northwest corner of the lot.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Zuma Canyon: Canyon View Trail – Ocean View Trail GPS in a larger map
Or view Los Angeles Hikes in a larger map

Photos

 

                                                 

These photos were taken in August of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Zuma Canyon Trail This 2.8-mile hike leaves a coastal Malibu neighborhood to explore rustic Zuma Canyon.
	Zuma Canyon Narrows – Zuma Ridge Loop This off-trail trek crosses the narrow canyon between Zuma Canyon Trail and Edison Road. Hikers may return along the Zuma Ridge Trail to form a challenging 8-mile loop.
	Zuma Ridge Trail This wide dirt service road which weaves northwest up the back of the ridge west of Zuma Canyon offering access to several trails in the area.
	More trails in the Santa Monica Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

Similar Trails

 

	Corral Canyon This 2.5-mile loop offers ocean and canyon views from a unspoiled section of the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu.
	Temescal Canyon This 2.6-mile loop offers a variety of scenery and decent exercise, despite its relative brevity.
	The Grotto This 3-mile out and back visits a remote grotto in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

More Info

 

Zuma Canyon National Park Service brochure

Zuma Canyon in Jerry Schad’s 101 HIKES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Zuma Canyon to Newton Falls on localhikes.com

Area Trails on venturacountrytrails.org

The craggy sandstone summit of Eagle Rock rises over Topanga State Park, delivering panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains. The shortest trail to Eagle Rock is a four-mile hike from Trippet Ranch. For a more challenging trek, explore the 7.4-mile round trip hike ascends 1,400 feet from Santa Ynez Canyon to the 1,957-foot summit of Eagle Rock.

Begin by parking along Vereda de La Montura in the Pacific Palisades. This parking is free, while there is a $5 fee to park at Trippet Ranch in Topanga State Park. Descend through the gate and begin up Santa Ynez Canyon Trail. Use the concrete stepping stones to cross a runoff channel, and leave the urban world behind.

Santa Ynez Canyon Trail

The pavement gives way to a dirt single track which plots a level course through a dense forest. The creek bed alongside the trail is dry in the summer and fall, but rock hopping is required in the spring. The trail comes to a junction 0.6 miles from the start. To the right, a spur trail leads to Santa Ynez Falls, a short seasonal waterfall that comes alive after it rains. To the left, Santa Ynez Canyon Trail continues toward Trippet Ranch and up to Eagle Rock.

Less than a tenth of a mile past the junction, a subtle path heads up the canyon wall to the left, climbing a short distance to a small cave that can be explored by those interested. Beyond, the gradual trail progresses up canyon through a lust forest of oaks and bays.

After a few creek crossings, and six-tenths of a mile past the junction, the trees break and launching a sun-exposed ascent up the side of the canyon. The trail crossed over sandstone slickrock, serving up broad views up and down canyon for the first time. The single-track climbs 450 feet over the next 2/3 of a mile before gaining the ridge. The trail finds shade again, but continues to climb, gaining another 200 feet over the next quarter-mile. The chaparral-lined switchbacks lead up to two junctions with unnamed paths that come in quick succession. Proceed to the right, following the trail markers through both junctions.

The trail ascends the side of Santa Ynez Canyon

A tenth of a mile further, Santa Ynez Canyon Trail comes to an end at a meeting with Eagle Spring Fire Road. To the left, the fire road descends 0.4 miles to Trippet Ranch. Eagle Rock is to the right, 1.6 miles and 550 vertical feet away. Turn right on Eagle Spring Fire Road and take this wide dirt track north through the Santa Monica Mountains.

Approaching Eagle Rock

After just over a mile, you will arrive at a four-way intersection. Straight ahead Eagle Spring Fire Road, which is now also the Backbone Trail, continues northeast toward Will Rogers State Park. To the left, a single-track named Musch Trail descends to Musch Camp back to Trippet Ranch. Most importantly, a second trail to the left heads uphill to Eagle Rock.

Eagle Rock

Take the fire road to the left, labeled Eagle Rock Fire Road and ascend another half mile up to Eagle Rock. The road ends just below the summit, where a footpath to the right passes a wooden bench to reach the pothole-filled pinnacle. There are panoramic views from here, overlooking Topanga, the Palisades, and all the mountains in between. There is a partial ocean view to the south (which was covered by overcast skies in the photos below). Relax and enjoy this lofty perch. Eagle Rock has a few arches and alcoves carved into the pocketed sandstone that are interesting to look at as well.

Looking down on the trail from Eagle Rock

When you have had enough, simply return the way you came. It is downhill almost all the way. This 7.4-mile hike takes about three hours, and provides a good workout, varied vegetation, and fine scenery. Dogs are not allowed on this hike as it passes through Topanga State Park. No fee or permit is required to hike Santa Ynez Canyon Trail to Eagle Rock, so get out and enjoy!

A hole in Eagle Rock

The basic directions to Eagle Rock are:

1. Park along Vereda de la Montura and begin up Santa Ynez Canyon Trail
2. Left at junction with Santa Ynez Falls Trail (0.6 miles)
3. Right through two small junctions (2.05 miles)
4. Right on Eagle Spring Fire Road (2.15 miles)
5. Left on Eagle Rock Fire Road (3.2 miles)
6. Summit Eagle Rock (3.7 miles)

To get to the trailhead: From the PCH, take Sunset Boulevard inland for half a mile. Turn left onto Palisades Drive and head north for 2.4 miles. Turn left onto Vereda de la Montura, and park on either side of the street in the permitted areas. The trail begins on the right side of the street at the bottom of the hill (before the private neighborhood gates).

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Santa Ynez Canyon Trail to Eagle Rock GPS in a larger map
Or view Los Angeles Hikes in a larger map

Photos

 

                                                                               

These photos were taken in April and August of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Video

 

Eagle Rock Panorama from Seth Smigelski on Vimeo.

Nearby Trails

 

	Santa Ynez Falls This 2.5-mile follows a shaded creek to a gorge containing a short waterfall.
	Parker Mesa Overlook This steep 7-mile out-and-back rewards the effort with excellent views of the Pacific Ocean.
	Temescal Canyon This 2.6-mile loop offers a variety of scenery and decent exercise, despite its relative brevity.
	Hondo Canyon This fairly well maintained section of the Backbone Trail crosses fields of grains and forests of Bays, climbing 1500 feet over 3.8 miles.
	More trails in the Santa Monica Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

Similar Trails

 

	Sandstone Peak This 6-mile loop summits the tallest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains.
	Westridge Trail to San Vicente Peak This 7.4-mile hike travels a scenic ridge between a Brentwood neighborhood and a summit that was once used as a Nike Missile site.
	Stunt High Trail to Saddle Peak This 8.2-mile hike combines Stunt High Trail and a section of the Backbone Trail to visit the 6th tallest summit in the Santa Monica Mountains.
	Santa Anita Canyon Loop This 9.5-mile loop visits a two peaceful creeks, a 60 foot waterfall and plenty of beautiful wilderness
	Mount Baldy Loop This 11.3-mile hike incorporates the Devil’s Backbone and the Baldy Bowl – Ski Hit Trail into one see-all loop.

More Info

 

Eagle Rock in AFOOT AND AFIELD LOS ANGELES COUNTY by Jerry Schad

Eagle Rock and Temescal Peak on modernhiker.com

Trippet Ranch to Santa Ynez Falls on (single)geekhiker.com

Eagle Spring Loop on localhikes.com

The official website for Topanga State Park

This 6-mile round trip hike starts above the banks of the Colorado River east of Moab, Utah, and travels up a scenic canyon alongside a much smaller stream. The trek terminates at a stunning 243-foot long natural bridge, the sixth largest natural rock span in America. The level dirt trail to Morning Glory Bridge ascends just 330 feet and offers plenty of serenity along the way.

Why is it called Negro Bill Canyon? William Granstaff settles in Moab in 1877, becoming the first non-Caucasian pioneer to do so. He and had success ranching in the area that now bears his name. The eponymous William Granstaff Campground adjacent to the trailhead inherited his given name, while Negro Bill Canyon was left with the more colorful title. If they ever decide to change the name, Granstaff Canyon has a nice ring to it to it.

The creek meanders down Negro Bill Canyon

This single-track trail begins to the left of a year round stream that produces plentiful plant-life in Negro Bill Canyon, including poison ivy. Be on the lookout for those irritating leaves-of-three, especially if you venture off trail. The start of the hike is remarkably level allowing quick movement into this beautiful canyon. The steep walls of this north-south running trench provide good early morning and late afternoon shade.

The trail widens 0.4 miles from the start, showing evidence that the canyon was previously open to 4X4 vehicles. An outcripping on the left side of the trail looks as though it may have once been inhabited or at least used for storage. Continue along the east bank of the shallow creek. At 0.85 miles, the first noticeable elevation is gained as you ascend a short rise in the canyon floor. Enjoy the nice views up and down canyon, and continue toward Morning Glory Bridge.

Looking down Negro Bill Canyon

At the 1.15-mile mark, a path spurs off to the left traveling a short distance into an indentation in the canyon wall. Green hanging gardens give the bump-out an alluring look, and this is a great place to test your echo (if you are interested in that sort of thing). Be on the look out for poison ivy if you trek this way.

The main trail continues south into the canyon. Just under a mile and a half from the start, you will cross the shallow creek for the first time. Get used to rock hopping. There are nine more crossings to come. Signs mark the trails as it flip-flops back and forth across the creek. Nevertheless, determining the proper path is tricky at times. If you end up on a false trail, simply backtrack to the correct route and continue upstream.

One of the ten creek crossings

Halfway through the creek crossings, the canyon bends to the left, and a side canyon heads off to the right. This is not the side-canyon containing Morning Glory Bridge, so proceed up the main channel. After 2.6 miles, at a more prolific Y in Negro Bill Canyon, you will cross the creek for a tenth and final time. The trail now embarks up the side canyon to the right, ascending the final 150 feet to Morning Glory Bridge.

The side canyon containing Morning Glory Bridge

The natural bridge crosses the back of the canyon, narrowly separated from the rock wall behind it. This makes the landmark less prominent from a distance, but quite dramatic close up. Morning Glory Bridge is sometimes called Morning Glory Arch by those who believe it to be an alcove arch rather than a natural bridge. That debate is for the geologists and erosion enthusiasts, but no matter how you label the impressive span, it is one monumental sight.

Morning Glory Bridge

Another curious feature lies just below the arch. A stream of water can be seen and heard flowing directly out of a fracture in the rock face. This adds to the magic of the spot. After taking a moment to relax beneath the sandstone bridge, return the way you can for a 6-mile round trip trek. Negro Bill Canyon is protected by the Bureau of Land Management, so no fee or permit is required to hike to Morning Glory Bridge.

A Canyoneering team rappels off Morning Glory Bridge

Writer’s note: Signs at the trailhead label the distance to Morning Glory Bridge at both two and 2.5 miles, and most publications describe this as a 4-mile round trip hike. My GPS tracker recorded the distance to the bridge at 3 miles. This measurement matches the distance I typically hike during the time I was on the trail. If your experience ends up being shorter, please let me know.

Desert Evening Primrose along the trail

To get to the trailhead: From Highway 191 in the city of Moab, head east on Scenic Byway 128 along the Colorado River. After three miles, turn right into the marked parking lot for Negro Bill Trailhead. There is a bathroom and an information kiosk near the start of the trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Negro Bill Canyon Trail to Morning Glory Arch in a larger map
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Photos

 

                                                 

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Mill Creek This half-mile hike visits a swimming hole that offers refreshing escape from Utah’s Summer scorches.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Zion, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks.

Similar Trails

 

	Landscape Arch in Arches National Park This level 2.5-mile hike visits the longest natural arch in the world along with two other enjoyable arches.
	Double Arch in Arches National Park This 0.8-mile hike visits a pair of connected arches in the Windows region of Arches National Park.
	Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge.

Camping

 

BLM Campgrounds There are 25 campgrounds operated by the Bureau of Land Management surrounding Moab, Utah outside Arches and Canyonlands National Park.

More Info

 

The BLM webpage for Negro Bill Canyon

Negro Bill Canyon on utah.com

Negro Bill Canyon on protrails.com

Negro Bill Canyon on wikipedia.org

If you visit Arches or Canyonlands National Parks in the summer, you may be greeted by long days with temperatures in the triple digits. In those conditions, a simply swim in a cold creek can be as satisfying as any of those parks’ amazing landmarks. The Colorado River around Moab is swift and silty, so instead bathe in the refreshing waters of Mill Creek.

Mill Creek Trail heads deep into the Utah landscape southeast of Moab, but you only need to hike a quarter-mile to reach this fluvial refuge. Take the single track from the parking lot and head east parallel to Mill Creek, which has dug a fifteen-foot deep trench into the rocky plain. The level trail passes just to the right of a man-made waterfall at an old mill site. From here, the trail continues up along the creek, but if all you want is a refreshing dip, backtrack along the ledge for a few hundred feet until a path appears down the rocky bank. Once you descend to the creek, the hiking is over and it’s time to swim.

The falls at Mill Creek

Mill Creek is shallow with relaxing pools and enough current to push you down a few rock water slides. If you make your way upstream, you may see a few daredevils cliff jumping into the pool at the base of the falls. The deep spot is quite narrow, making jumping not the greatest idea (unless you know a good doctor in Moab for broken legs).

Mill Creek

Mill Creek is a great way to beat the relentless Utah summer heat. When you are ready to return to the 100-degree air, make a 180-degree turn, ascend the bank of the creek, and walk back to the parking lot. Mill Creek is located on BLM land. No fee or permit is required, so get out and enjoy.

To get to the trailhead: From downtown Moab, head south on Route 191. Make a left onto Sage Ave, followed by a quick right onto Holyoak Lane. Drive two blocks to Mill Creek Drive and make a left. Drive half a mile to Powerhouse Lane and turn right. Take this road for a third of a mile to the parking lot at road’s end.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

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Photos

 

     

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Negro Bill Trail to Morning Glory Bridge This 6-mile round trip hike travels through a scenic canyon to a 243-foot long natural bridge.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Zion, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks.

Similar Trails

 

	Paradise Creek in Sequoia National Park This short stroll leaves Buckeye Flats Campground to visit the perfect swimming hole for a hot summer day in the Sierras.
	Natural Water Slide in Giant Sequpia National Monument This one mile hike visits a refreshing natural water slide on the eastern side of the Great Western Divide.

Camping

 

BLM Campgrounds There are 25 campgrounds operated by the Bureau of Land Management surrounding Moab, Utah outside Arches and Canyonlands National Park.

More Info

 

Mill Creek on Utah.com

The official website for Moab Field office for the Bureau of Land Management